Digital Storage Converter
Convert between bytes, KB, MB, GB, TB and more. Understand file sizes, storage capacity, and internet speeds.
Popular Conversions
Device Storage
Internet Speeds
Common File Sizes
Understanding Digital Storage
Binary System (Base 2)
Used by computer systems and operating systems. Each unit is 1024 times larger than the previous.
Decimal System (Base 10)
Used by storage manufacturers and network speeds. Each unit is 1000 times larger than the previous.
Why the Difference Matters
Storage Devices
A "500 GB" hard drive actually has ~465 GB usable space due to binary vs decimal differences.
Internet Speeds
Network speeds use decimal (1 Gbps = 1000 Mbps), affecting download time calculations.
File Systems
Operating systems report sizes in binary, which may differ from manufacturer specifications.
About Digital Storage Converter
Comprehensive digital storage converter supporting binary and decimal conversions between all storage units from bits to exabytes, including network speed conversions.
Common Use Cases
Computer storage planning
File size calculations
Network bandwidth analysis
Cloud storage management
Mobile device storage optimization
Data transfer planning
Examples & Demonstrations
Standard storage conversion showing both systems
Input:
1 TB (terabyte) to GB
Output:
1,024 GB (binary) or 1,000 GB (decimal)
Converting network speed to file transfer rate
Input:
100 Mbps internet speed
Output:
12.5 MB/s download speed
Large file size breakdown
Input:
4K video file (25 GB)
Output:
25,600 MB or 26,214,400 KB
Tips & Best Practices
Use binary (1024) for system storage calculations
Use decimal (1000) for manufacturer specifications
Remember: 8 bits = 1 byte for speed conversions
Consider both storage and speed requirements
Factor in file system overhead (~5-10%)
Plan for future storage growth
Related Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between binary and decimal storage?
Binary (base-2) uses 1024 as the conversion factor (used by operating systems), while decimal (base-10) uses 1000 (used by storage manufacturers). This is why a 1TB drive shows as ~931GB in your computer.
Why does my 1TB hard drive show less storage?
Hard drive manufacturers use decimal (1TB = 1,000GB), but operating systems use binary (1TB = 1,024GB). A 1TB drive actually has 1,000,000,000,000 bytes, which equals ~931GB in binary.
How do I convert internet speed to storage size?
Internet speeds are measured in bits per second (Mbps, Gbps), while file sizes are in bytes. Divide the speed by 8 to get bytes per second. For example, 100 Mbps = 12.5 MB/s download speed.
What storage unit should I use for different file types?
Text files: bytes/KB, Photos: MB, Videos: GB, Large datasets: TB+, Network speeds: Mbps/Gbps. Choose the unit that makes the number easiest to read (1-999 range typically).
How much storage do I need for different activities?
Basic documents: 1-10GB, Photo collection: 50-500GB, Video editing: 1-10TB, Gaming: 500GB-2TB, Professional backup: 2TB+. Consider future growth when planning storage.
Why Choose Digital Storage Converter?
Our digital storage converter stands out from other online tools with its precision, speed, and user-friendly interface. Built by engineers for professionals, students, and everyday users, it provides accurate results instantly without requiring any software installation or registration.
With robust error handling, multiple format support, and responsive design, this tool works seamlessly across all devices and browsers. Trust ConvertLarge for all your conversion and calculation needs.